JOHN HIRSCH MAINSTAGE 2019/20 PLAYBILL

THE COLOR PURPLE
Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture
Book by Marsha Norman; Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
A co-production with the Citadel Theatre
Sponsored by The Asper Foundation and the Gail Asper Family Foundation
October 24 – November 16, 2019 (Preview October 23)

Experience the joy of humanity in this musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s enduring tale of the American South. Told she was worthless, Celie discovers her strength and rises above indignity with grace. With quiet resolve, this unlikely heroine lifts up others – even those who tried to take everything from her. Journey with Celie as she forges improbable friendships, dares to love and inspires those around her with humility and compassion. Soaring on the notes of a soul-raising Grammy-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple will leave you breathless.

MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY
By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
November 28 – December 21, 2019 (Preview November 27)

This charming Christmas story, and imagined sequel to Pride and Prejudice, centres around Mary the bookish middle child of the Bennets. Though she has the company of her beloved books and piano, she longs for more, and dreams of embarking on her own adventure. A chance meeting over the holidays with Mr. Darcy’s cousin Arthur sparks an attraction. Join Mary in her quest to uncover a new path with plenty of laughs along the way.

An enchanting holiday favourite filled with wit and humour, Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley is sure to delight new audiences and Jane Austen fans alike.

AS YOU LIKE IT
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Daryl Cloran
Conceived by Daryl Cloran and Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
A co-production with the Citadel Theatre
Part of ShakespeareFest
January 9 – February 1, 2020 (Preview January 7)

Brace yourself for Bardlemania! The Bard and the Beatles sweetly marry in this sparkling production of As You Like It. Set in the heart of 1960s Vancouver counterculture and the Okanagan forest, this lively reimagining of the classic play broke every possible attendance record at Bard on the Beach. As You Like It cleverly blends Shakespeare’s gift with language and 25 Beatles songs performed live, including She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Let It Be and Here Comes the Sun. Will you love it? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

THE NEW CANADIAN CURLING CLUB
By Mark Crawford
February 13 – March 7, 2020 (Preview February 12)

The town is so small it only has one Tim Hortons. But community-minded Marlene is determined to “diversify” the curling club. She enlists four newcomers to learn the game but when she breaks her hip, it’s up to her politically incorrect ex-husband Stuart to step in. Things start off badly and get worse. Stuart doesn’t think the new Canadians can hack it and they have bigger worries than mastering this bizarre sport. With team unity on the rocks, time is running out. Will they be able to sweep aside their problems to compete in the Highland Cup? Hurry hard to the theatre to find out!

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
By Ursula Rani Sarma
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini
A co-production with the Arts Club Theatre Company
March 19 – April 2020 (Preview March 18)

Based on the bestselling novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, this breathtaking story tells the tale of two remarkable women brought together by heart-wrenching oppression. During one of the toughest times in Afghanistan’s history, Laila forms an unbreakable bond with her husband’s first wife, Mariam. Together they summon the strength to challenge a tyrannical society and to find hope for a better future.

Written by Khaled Hosseini, award-winning author of The Kite Runner, this harrowing and beautiful story of redemption shows us how love and friendship can sustain the human spirit.

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE
By Matthew Lopez
April 23 – May 16, 2020 (Preview April 22)

Casey has the King’s moves down cold, but the bar isn’t doing so hot. Even so, he’s all shook up when the club owner replaces his Elvis act with a drag show. With a baby on the way, Casey hangs up the white jumpsuit and tends bar until a drag queen on a bender leaves the staff high and dry. With big stilettos to fill, Casey reluctantly – and hilariously – undergoes a transformation that will change his life. Soon the adoring crowds are calling for Georgia McBride but his loved ones remain in the dark. Will Casey lose everything before he discovers the man he wants to be? Showcasing dazzling performances, killer outfits and epic drag show anthems, The Legend of Georgia McBride proves that life is a drag – and isn’t it fabulous!